-Tips When Performing a Spoken Word???-

Hey y'all
I've only done a spoken word once in my life in front of a small crowd, and next week I'll be doing one for this talent show at the campus here next Thursday. No way can I memorize one in such a short time, but I need some tips, I think I'll be nervous a lil since its a big crowd. Anything would be helpful and very much appreciated.
Love-

Well, I'm not the expert, but I would say remember that spoken word is also a true performance art. Project your voice or not dependent on the tone, use gestures, walk around, interact with the audience, enunciate, make good use of your pauses and such, and most importantly--Get your point across. That's what I would do.

I pretty much just gotta work on the nervousness-like those crazy butterflies that swarm in the pit of my stomach. The advice given is really what I was aiming at too, and I hope it goes well. I appreciate it-lets hope I don't fall and break a leg now!
-Much Love

I've been doing Spoken Word poetry for 6 months now. I do it at 3-5 different spots so I am very regular. My advice to you(and I am no pro yet either) is to embrace the audience. They for the most part are not out to get you. They want to be inspired. Read about something you believe in and become comfortable with reading it on paper..It's ok! Many poets (even slam poets) read off paper. But read it like fluid off the paper! Find that place you were in when you wrote the piece and go there inside. You have to feel your words. If you don't feel them no one else will!

Hmm I done it couple times what I do is practice it in front of the mirror for like 20 min a day and practice the pauses and things like that and the movement and such and just keep doing that in front of the mirror get ur friends to watch u let them be your audience.... good luck

yeah, I agree with misterE...first practice it in your private...then...do it in front of people friends, someone you just met...that's what i did for my one talent show...lol i read to 5 people at my job...heh they'll respect you too, and it's a good way to gain a new friend ^_^

lol ^ thanks for the advice DaJackle, the talent show was in July. Nah I'm clowning, I appreciate you takin the time, I'll hold it for future reference. My creative writing instructor says I am too elegant for spoken words, unless I change up my style and put the upmost power in my words-yeah I understand but damn that was a full audience and I was nervous as hell. I didn't win but I still got much props and respect for just doin it lol. Thanks homeboy
-Peace

Your creative writing teacher was a retard... spoken word can be elegant, just don't read it all thugged out or anything. Always try to break the ice first with the audience... make some kind of joke, ask how they're doing (my favorite), get them warmed up because otherwise they'll just sit there and only half pay attention, then clap when your done, and wait for it to be over so they can smoke weed, or play bongos.